Harley-Davidson has "tweaked" a long-time policy which bans its dealers from selling t-shirts bearing the Confederate battle flag symbol.
HD released this statement. “It’s been our longstanding approach that the Confederate flag may not be used by the company, its licensees or its dealers in connection with the Harley-Davidson trademark or logo, on any products, signs or other materials,” a statement from H-D said. “We have, over time, made a very few, short-term exceptions in which the Confederate flag appeared in a design with the Harley-Davidson brand. These exceptions were primarily in the historical context, understanding that for some of our customers and dealers, the Confederate flag represents a very rich and proud heritage. These designs were reviewed on a case- by-case basis (for example, there was a small group of designs approved to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and were primarily available at dealerships near battleground sites).
This recent action has some dealers upset. Russell Abernathy, owner of Abernathy’s Harley-Davidson in Union City, Tenn. made this post on Facebook which quickly went viral, “As of today, we have been informed Harley-Davidson will no longer let any Harley Davidson Dealership sell any T-shirts with the Confederate Battle Flag on the back. This is truly a sad day in the History of the United States. Pray for the future of this country, as it needs help now. God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!"
In 1977, Harley-Davidson released a Confederate Special Edition model with the flag painted on the gas tank.
The statement continued, “In light of recent events and the evolving cultural discussion surrounding what the Confederate flag represents, we, like many other companies, have taken a very close look at how our brand has been used in conjunction with the Confederate flag…and will no longer consider limited exceptions to this approach. We believe this is consistent with Harley-Davidson’s role in welcoming people from all walks of life into our family of riders and fostering the common bond our brand represents in uniting riders of diverse backgrounds and experiences.”
118 comments
Harley has chosen the way of Cultural Fascism as well? Goodbye Harley I will never buy or own a Harley again. Those corporate money rakers are imbeciles for jumping on this Leftist Fascist bandwagon with it’s false narrative of history and the Confederacy. Ignoring history and banning historical symbols is nothing more than Cultural Fascism…especially now that people are being Assaulted as well Murdered over flying the Confederate Battle Flag and supporting our History and Heritage. It is hateful bigotry and Fascism in modern America perpetuated by uneducated Leftists and RINO’s.
Harley Davidson will not earn sales for this. They will lose sales. I hope their business dies on the vine due to this display of ignorance.
It is going to be a “Glorious Day” now. What with all the confederate flags being removed, all the hate and racism will magically disappear and sweet little unicorns will frolic in the streets.
Just goes to show how much most people understand about the civil war. The war was for states rights. Slavery was just one of the many parts that prompted the war. People are now sheep to this government.
How long before the government comes for Harley Davidson? Maybe because the now special people are offended by the freedom that it implies.
That will be okay. Willie can roll over on his back and let them rub his belly as they put the leash to the collar.
For Sale – Harley Davidson Motorcycle. It is time to ride a Honda, at least they do not prevent the honoring of History….
We would think HArley-Davidson Motorcycles INC, would want to get this flag thing,right out in front, Being Millions of my fellow riders, Know the DOJ is not the most trusted Boys Club, Nor is the Federal Administration now, the most HONEST Group to support our great country, I would only Hope, H-D would want to see the ohers opinions, riders since 1973 Erlandson , Loveland, Co,,
Thanks for making up my mind on what bike to buy next. You are cowards and are trying to be politically correct and please only a few who don’t ride Harleys anyhow. Really thought Harley would have more backbone than this. You will lose more business over this than any past mistakes you have made. At least GM and some other big companies still have balls. Go ahead and please Al Sharpton and all the other liberals and see how many bikes they buy from you. I’ve talked to a lot of bikers friends and they are switching from Harley over this also. Well at least we now have some good choices in the American made bikes. Since you no longer represent the United States and it’s History I’m selling the New Harley I just bought . Victory and Indian looks real good all the sudden. I wish you luck in finding New jobs when Harley shuts down because there are none. The very liberals you are supporting have seen to that !